Western Canadian wheat and barley farmers have become major investors in grain variety development research through the Wheat and Barley Check-off Funds, administered by Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF). But while over 90 percent of eligible producers have supported the Check-off Funds, all eligible producers do have an annual opportunity to opt-out if they choose not to support this research.

Producers from all three Prairie provinces and the Peace River area of British Columbia have supported the Check-off Funds since they were introduced in the 1993/94 crop year. In recent years, these producers have begun to see the return on this investment as the first new varieties have become available. They have also become eligible to obtain a federal tax credit based on a portion of their Check-off investment.

"Farmers' investment has led to the development of new wheat and barley varieties with higher yields, better disease and pest resistance, higher quality, and other traits that make farming more profitable," says Dr. Keith Degenhardt, Hughenden, Alta., producer and Chair of WGRF. "We're reaching the first payoff stage, where the first of these varieties are getting out of the research pipeline and becoming available commercially to farmers. The federal government has recognized farmers' contribution to research and development by making a portion of Check-off investments eligible for the Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax credit."

The progress shown in new varieties is the result of consistent producer investment over the long-term cereal breeding process, says Degenhardt. "It comes at a time when farmers in countries such as Australia are making large investments in grain development, and when Canada's own ability to make research gains will have a major impact on our competitiveness."

Though Check-off participation has been strong, farmers have always had an annual opportunity to opt out if they do not wish to support research, says Lanette Kuchenski, WGRF Executive Director. "Farmers who wish to opt out of the Wheat and Barley Check-off Funds for the 2003-2004 crop year are reminded that the deadline is August 31, 2004. Producers should note that any farmer choosing to opt out will not be eligible for the federal tax credit."

To opt out, producers must be Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) certificate holders (have delivered grain to CWB in the crop year), and notify the WGRF office of their intent to opt-out in writing, either by letter or by fax, she says. Mailing address is: Western Grains Research Foundation, 210 - 111 Research Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3R2. Fax number is (306) 975-0316.

The notice must include: producer CWB ID number, crop year (current year is 2003-2004), name as it appears on the CWB permit book and full mailing address. Correspondence must be postmarked no later than August 31 of the calendar year following the start of the crop year (August 31-July 31). Producers who provide this full notification will receive a confirmation letter from the Foundation within 30 days after notification is received.

The Wheat and Barley Check-off Funds are funded directly by farmers and have become a major force in wheat and barley breeding, says Kuchenski. They are directed by the WGRF Board, which is made up of producers representing 18 widely diverse western Canadian agricultural organizations. "The check-off is deducted from the CWB final payment to producers at $0.20/tonne for wheat and $0.40/tonne for barley, and generate nearly over $4 million annually for investment in western Canadian wheat and barley breeding programs. The exception is barley in Alberta, which is covered by a separate provincial check-off."

For more information on opt out, the tax credit, wheat and barley breeding or Western Grains Research Foundation in general, visit the Foundation's Web site at www.westerngrains.com, or contact the Foundation office by phone at (306) 975-0060.